A foreign body sensation in the eye can be caused by the actual presence of an invaded foreign body, as well as by irritating environmental factors, infections and unfavorable lifestyle habits. The cause of the unpleasant sensation is irritation of the conjunctiva of the eye. A foreign body sensation in the eye is readily treatable by removal of irritating particles or symptomatic or causative therapy of the discomfort.
What is a foreign body sensation in the eye?
A stye in the eye. The skin is red, swollen and painful. Foreign body sensation in the eye refers to an annoying to painful sensation that is accompanied by itching, burning, and a scratchy feeling on the conjunctiva. Often, these discomforts are accompanied by increased sensitivity to light and a reddening of the eye. Provided with many nerve endings, the eye reacts very sensitively to external influences. The high sensitivity of the conjunctiva serves to protect the vulnerable organ of vision. However, even if no threatening particle has penetrated, even minor irritation can cause a foreign body sensation in the eye and thus sensations as if a foreign body were present. This often causes sufferers to rub their eyes vigorously to get rid of the supposed particle. However, due to the additional irritation of the conjunctiva, this measure only intensifies the discomfort instead of providing relief.
Causes
A common cause of a foreign body sensation in the eye is the actual presence of a particle that irritates the conjunctiva. These particles include splinters, eyelashes, insects and grains of sand. If these get under the eyelids, there are feelings of pressure and mechanical friction on the conjunctiva. In addition to unpleasant sensations, this causes an increase in tear film production, as a result of which the foreign bodies are usually quickly expelled. However, it can happen that a particle reaches the back of the eyeball, where it cannot be easily flushed out by the tear fluid or removed by the affected person himself. It becomes particularly problematic if sharp-edged particles – such as metal splinters – are involved. In these cases, a visit to an ophthalmologist is indicated. Often, however, a foreign body sensation in the eye does not conceal an actual foreign body, but an infectious inflammation or an irritation of the conjunctiva due to environmental influences (drafts, high-altitude sun, dry/smoky air or long screen work). These factors lead to overexertion and dehydration of the eye. If the conjunctiva is insufficiently moistened by tear secretion, even blinking causes unpleasant friction between the eyelid and conjunctiva. Finally, barley or hailstones can also be considered as a cause of a foreign body sensation in the eye.
Diseases with this symptom
- Stye
- Hailstone
- Scleritis
- Blepharitis
- Uveitis
- Conjunctivitis
Diagnosis and course
Foreign body sensation in the eye is initially diagnosed by the complaints described by the patient. Not always a trigger of the complaints is immediately apparent. If a patient presents to the ophthalmologist with corresponding symptoms, the ophthalmologist first examines the surface of the eye to clarify possible triggers. If no particles are present in the eye, it often turns out that insufficient quantities of the protective tear secretion are produced or that its chemical composition is unfavorable. This disorder may be predisposed or acquired. Often, a detailed anamnesis of the patient’s lifestyle provides information about factors that promote the development of dry eyes. These include, in particular, work- or leisure-related prolonged use of computer screens and incorrect contact lens hygiene. By changing these conditions, the course of the complaints of a foreign body sensation in the eye can henceforth be influenced more favorably.
Complications
When designating a complication, the causative disorder should be considered. A complication in the clinical sense is a consequence of a disorder or a side effect of a remedy if it has been used against the health disorder in question. Thus, complications may appear due to lack of detection as well as in a medical procedure. A foreign body sensation in the eye is the frequent complication of various eye diseases or dry eyes.Dry eyes are caused by a lack of production of tear fluid in the eye, which is normally remedied by artificial tears. A foreign body sensation in the eye as a complication of treatment with certain eye drops such as glaucoma medication, can be reduced by switching to a different preparation. Such a foreign body sensation also often occurs with corneal injuries or eye infections. To avoid serious complications, an ophthalmologic examination should follow when unusual signs occur. Subsequently, in case of a serious cause of the foreign body sensation, the patient must be treated as an inpatient in the course of avoiding worse complications such as visual deterioration. There, the plan for subsequent treatment in the doctor’s office against the foreign body sensation and the causative health disorder can be worked out. A foreign body sensation in the eye is just one complication among many that are caused by some eye diseases. Many eye drops cause a foreign body sensation in the eye and therefore artificial tears often have to be applied in addition.
When should you go to the doctor?
With a foreign body feeling in the eye, few people immediately think about a visit to the doctor. Too trivial seems to many this feeling of discomfort in the eye, which usually has a harmless cause such as dust or a detached eyelash and quickly goes away. Even if the foreign body sensation in the eye lasts longer, many people find their time too precious to go to the doctor and spend time in the waiting room. However, the eye as a component of the visual system deserves more attention. If the foreign body sensation in the eye lasts for hours or even days, an ophthalmologist should definitely be consulted. If there is indeed a foreign body in the eye, he will remove it skillfully. This is not simply a matter of removing the foreign body sensation in the eye. Particles that have no business being in the eye can cause significant damage to the delicate cornea. In addition, the constant irritation in the eye can lead to an aggravation of the problem including severe pain. A foreign body sensation in the eye is therefore not a mere sensory disturbance. A foreign body sensation in the eye can also be triggered by poor lighting when reading, working at the computer for long periods of time, smoke or drafts. In addition, a foreign body sensation in the eye can also be the sign of an eye disease such as conjunctivitis, corneal inflammation, stye or eyelid rim inflammation. Therefore, it is better to see a doctor in time.
Treatment and therapy
If there is a foreign body in the eye, the eye should be carefully rinsed with water. Click to enlarge. Treatment of a foreign body sensation in the eye depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, foreign bodies that have penetrated the eye do not require medical treatment because they are usually flushed out with the tear film by the eye’s self-cleaning function. In the case of larger, sharp-edged particles, or if foreign bodies cannot be removed by themselves due to their unfavorable position, medical intervention is necessary. Using special instruments and irrigation, the ophthalmologist can remove the interfering particles and assess any small injuries. If necessary, these can be treated with painkilling eye ointments. If the particle has already penetrated the cornea, surgery may be necessary. A variety of soothing drops and ointments are also available for conjunctivitis caused by irritating environmental factors. If there is a viral or bacterial inflammation, in addition to the foreign body sensation in the eye, there is often adhesion of the eyelids due to purulent discharge. In this case, medical treatment with antiviral or antibiotic agents is necessary in any case to avoid consequential damage such as scarring. If the foreign body sensation in the eye is due to ocular dryness, symptomatic treatment is given and/or efforts are made to eliminate unfavorable causes by changing lifestyle habits. Foreign body sensation due to dry eyes can be treated by regular administration of additional tear fluid.
Outlook and prognosis
If a foreign body is actually found in the eye during diagnosis, it must be removed promptly by a physician, usually an ophthalmologist. Damage to the eye is left only if the foreign body has penetrated the eye and reached the retina. This is often the case with metal splinters. A frequent cause of a foreign body sensation in the eye are so-called styes.Hordeolum is a purulent inflammation of the glands on the eyelid. This usually heals by itself after a short time. The doctor usually recommends rest and a warm compress to the patient. However, foreign body sensations in the eye often result from inflammations and chemical burns. In the case of burns with aggressive substances, the eye is first rinsed and cleaned. Subsequently, a specialist must clarify whether serious damage to the eye has occurred. Inflammations caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi can usually be treated successfully with ointments or drops. If the foreign body sensation is caused by eyes that are too dry, small behavioral adjustments (regular ventilation, consciously blinking vigorously when working at a computer screen) or the prescription of artificial tears usually help.
Prevention
To prevent a foreign body sensation in the eye, long, monotonous screen work and other eye-fatiguing activities should be minimized as much as possible. If necessary, irritated eyes can be relieved by prophylactic administration of tear drops. Contact lens wearers should ensure hygienic handling of lenses and, depending on the lens type, regular replacement. The risk of particles entering the eye and causing a foreign body sensation can also be minimized. Wearing (sunglasses) during summer bicycle rides or protective eyewear when working with wood or metal, for example, can be helpful in this regard.
What you can do yourself
If you feel a foreign body in your eye, you do not necessarily need to see a doctor. Often it is eyebrows, eyelashes or other debris that has entered the eye and must be removed. It is usually sufficient to rinse the eye with clear and warm water or to use eye drops. This cleans the eye and removes the foreign body from the eye. Most of the time, this can also eliminate the foreign body sensation in the eye. The eye itself will try to remove the foreign body with the help of tears. Therefore, it is also perfectly normal for the foreign body sensation in the eye to result in an increased flow of tears. Under no circumstances should patients reach into the eye with their fingers. This will only bring in more dirt. Patients should also not rub their eye, as this usually only increases the symptom. If the foreign body is a dangerous object, a doctor or the hospital should definitely be consulted. This includes especially sitting and hot objects. If the foreign body sensation in the eye is not caused by an actual foreign body, it may ]be an inflammation. This must necessarily be treated by an [[ophthalmologist]]. To avoid a foreign body sensation in the eye, protective eyewear should be worn when performing certain tasks.
